Capitol Hill Report — 7/07/17

July 7, 2017

Protecting Americans

The House passed two immigration bills last week backed by President Trump and Attorney General Sessions. The bills tackled illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities. Most importantly, they increase the safety of Americans across the nation.

Kate’s Law (H.R. 3004), sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-MA), is an initiative that has been a priority of President Trump. The bill was named after Kate Steinle who was murdered in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant from Mexico who already had seven previous felony convictions and had been deported back to Mexico five times. The fact that he was continuously allowed to enter into the United States is a major safety concern for all Americans. Kate’s Law lengthens the maximum sentencing for immigrants with previous convictions who try to reenter the United States. The bill passed 257-167 mostly along party lines.

The No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (H.R. 3003), also sponsored by Chairman Goodlatte, goes hand-in-hand with Kate’s Law. It requires that sanctuary cities cooperate with local and federal officials to detain suspects involved in criminal activity. If a sanctuary city would refuse to cooperate, like they have in the past, the federal government would deny them federal grant money. This bill passed 228-195 also along party lines.

As these bills move through the Senate, Eagle Forum will monitor their progress and continue these discussions with leaders.

Piece of Cake?

The Supreme Court has announced that it will hear a case regarding a Denver cake baker who refused to participate in a same-sex wedding. We have heard many situations like this before, such as the Kleins in Oregon, where states have suppressed individuals’ religious beliefs. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, tried to claim a religious exemption to the state’s anti-discrimination law, but the state courts ruled against him. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on this case beginning in the Fall. Eagle Forum will keep you up-to-date on its developments.

Colleen Holcomb will continue working with Eagle Forum as Vice-President of Government Relations. You may continue to contact her with your questions or concerns at cholcomb@attorneyholcomb.com or phone: 757/277-4848.

We will keep you posted on these and other developments as we learn new information. Until then, please stay tuned to the Eagle Forum website and Facebook page.